Notebook: Kelly and James haven’t discussed draft

Junior running back LaMichael James is one of “five or six” Ducks to request a draft evaluation from the NFL’s scouting department, Oregon coach Chip Kelly said, but the player and coach have not met formally to discuss James’ future.

“We haven’t gotten that information back, so there’s been no conversation with him, or any other kid that’s applied,” Kelly said.

James is widely regarded to be considering a jump to the professional ranks after Oregon’s Rose Bowl appearance against Wisconsin on Jan. 2. The Ducks returned to practice Friday following a three-day break, and James is scheduled to meet with media this afternoon.

A report Tuesday suggested that James had already decided to leave, but James denied that. Kelly on Friday termed such a notion a “misconception.”

“We haven’t had a converstion, because I have nothing to base a conversation on,” Kelly said.

Junior running back Kenjon Barner confirmed that he also requested a draft evaluation. He said he’s considered the idea of going pro after this season, “but that’s as far as it goes.”

Barner said he promised his mother, Wilhelmenia, that he would graduate from the university first.

“I haven’t fulfilled that promise yet,” Barner said. “So I’ve got to fulfill that promise before I start thinking about other stuff.”

Barner said he’s on track to graduate following the conclusion of spring term in June 2012. He would consider taking graduate courses next fall were he to return.

Barner is also James’ closest friend on the team, and they’ve discussed the possibility of entering the draft, Barner said.

“We talk, but he hasn’t said anything about it,” Barner said. “So until he says something, I have no reason to think that he’s leaving.” Click here for the complete story.